How £50m 'fish disco' could save farmland
Summary
A new ultrasound system at the Hinkley Point C nuclear power station is being tested to protect fish by keeping them away from the plant's cooling pipes. The test, using special underwater speakers, has been successful, possibly eliminating the need to flood farmland to create new habitats for fish. This solution may protect fish in the Severn Estuary and could be implemented in other power stations.Key Facts
- Hinkley Point C nuclear power station tested a £50 million ultrasound system to protect fish.
- The system uses underwater speakers to deter fish from swimming near the plant's cooling pipes.
- The Severn Estuary is home to many fish, including sprats, salmon, and the protected twaite shad species.
- Traditional grills on power stations kill fish by filtering them out of water intake pipes.
- The new system plans to protect fish with wider inlet heads and an acoustic system.
- Tests showed a significant reduction in the number of fish approaching the plant's intake.
- There were initial plans to flood 900 acres of farmland to create fish habitats, which might now be unnecessary.
- The system's success could lead to its use at other nuclear power stations globally.
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